Due Friday, February 17th Pencils, Erasers and Disqualification
1. Describe Reynie: Reynie is a unique person because he does not like t.v, he is very smart and knows what he is doing. He is a honest boy that doesen't cheat even when needing help like most other kids would do.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. : This means that no one else ever ventured into it or in other terms, no one would ever come into it.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know?: Reynie broke his pencil in half for someone he didn't even know because he would not like to be in the situation that the girl was. He wouldn't want to lose his pencil right before the most important test yet and ruin his opportunity to something huge.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers.: Reynie was offered to cheat of look at Rhondas paper because he helped her with the pencil problem and he said no and then maybve he was thinking that maybe I would need the help and answers so he felt the loneliness hang over him so he was questioning.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? I believe that cheating is never ok because you will never get better or learn if your not thinking for yourself, somebody is thinking for you. Reynie knew that if he cheated and he passed that he could not talk to Miss. Perumal without revealing that he cheated.
6. Why are rules made?: I think that rules are made for a reason not just because but to help and guide and lead you into doing the right things. Why are those so many rules in chapter one? There are lots of rules in chapter one i think it had something to do with following directions, seeing if the kids could follow the directions too see if they really do have what it takes to be in this special program. Due Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary?
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not?: I believe that Reynie doesn't like television because he is such a smart kid that you would think he would be studying or reading for school instead of watching t.v..
2. Why is it important for this team to work together?: It is important to work together because Mr.Benedict said that the mission is very dangerous so their lifes could be at risk so it is couls to have someone to talk to when you are in trouble.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why?: Rhonda wasn't upset because she really didn't lose her pencil she just was acting like another kid going to take the test but really it was just all part of Mr.Benedicts plan.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? : Kate is very powerful, strong and is very smart with the use of tools in a tough situation. Sticky is very timid with what he does. He is smart and can memorize lots of stuff but he tends to get nervous a lot. The antagonist out of Kate and Sticky would be kate just by her personality and the way she figures out to do things is smart and fishey. On the other hand Sticky is very shy and laid back often.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected?: The most important test is the last test. Mr.Benedict wants to know if they can realy remember the way to get to the bell not just that it was luck.
2. How are they tested?: One kid at a time gets put into a a maze that has all the rooms the same, the kid has to fine the staircase and go down it and ring the bell and then check their time.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way?: It doesn't matter how the kids solved the maze in a different way because all that matters is they solved it in a certain amount of time and not an ordinary child would be able to solve the maze.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict?: Narcolepsy is a disease that makes you fall asleep at random times for only a short period of time. It affects Mr. Benedict because when he is talking to people he will just fall asleep.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place.: Zambia is in the southern part of Africa and east of Angola and north of Botswana. Zambia is economically speaking an up and coming country in Southern Africa. Victoria Falls is one of the biggest tourist attraction sites.
6. Is Bembi a real language?: Bembi is not a real language. The people of South Africa speak IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, English, Setswana, Sesotho, and Xitsonga .
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment?: I think Mr. Benedict picked these kids because they are smart and they have no parents. If he attracted other kids that have parents the parents would say no if they knew that it is a dangerous mission.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters?: Vexed means causing difficulty in finding an answer or solution. Mr.Benedict was having trouble finding the right group of kids and this is their last chance.
Great answers Alicia!
Due Monday, February 20th
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together?: The traits that bring them together into one big great team is their all different so with all their skills out together it turns out to be something great and strong. That's what Mr. Benedict picked this group of kids to go on a mission.
2. What causes discord among the team members?: What causes some problems is maybe the kids could become too different that their differences pulls them apart, so their not able to work well together. It could also be the way they get along with each other, that could be an important factor that could matter.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar?: The kids all have in common that they have no parents so each kid needs lots of support to help them get through the hard times or when they miss their parents. What is dissimilar is the kids personalitys, their all smart but just in their own special way.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment?: It matters if the kids are alike or not because some how along the journey their all going to have to pull together and work with each other to complete the mission.
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Wednesday, February 22nd Read Men In The Maze, Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach?: I think Mr.Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach because then by figuring out what they do teach the kids could find some information about what has been going on at the Institute.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for?: Morse code is a language used to communicate back and forth in a secret agency way. Samual Morse invented Morse code. He thought of it as a way to impress his father with smarts but also include his artistic skills.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean?: How does this fit into the definition of a team?: What Mr.Benedict meant was if you do always agree is not important but you must continue to look out for each other because you are a team now.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what?: Philanthropists are people who are caring and love, people who focus on the quality of life. This made sticky surprised but he figured out his parents tried less and less to find him each day.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.: Constance was having a hard time controlling herself after sticky had told his back round information. I think Sticky's story may have reminded her of something that had happened in her past that was sad like sticky's story. Constance just tried to change the subject because it reminded her of her past.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why? Milligan has amnesia, which means you can't remember things. This all started when he found himself tied to a chair on Nomansan Island which is where they process of the sender and messenger works. Milligan wears disguises because she escaped from the two men that got him there in the first place and she doesn't want the men to recognize him and realize that he was the one who escaped from them.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? At the end of the chapter Milligan couldn't look at the children because he was so in shock and upset telling about his past.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? The unintended consequence is the thing Mr.Benedict has been waiting to see when and what was going to happen all this time. The sender is holding something back something that can be really big when it does happen.
9. Describe the Sender.The sender is very sneaky and clever. The sender has been holding something against this whole situation the whole time so the sender has a plan that could affect Mr. Benedict's plan to find out who the sender is and the process.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict? Reynie was doubting his trust for Mr.Benedict because Reynie was thinking that if he was for real. Has he been lying this whole time about the mission.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136? Forged means to be formed or become into something. So in the story the group of kids has to become forged into a team.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this. I think Constance is a part of the team because a reason that she is hiding from everyone else that Mr.Benedict knows and that the team will succeed if they have Constance. 13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor? Mr. Benedict is on the floor often because he falls asleep at random times because of his Narcolepsy, when he is alone he is on the floor because Number 1 and 2 are not there to catch him when he is standing up.
14. How could Constance we the key to the team's success? I think that Constance is hiding something from the team, but from what i already know is that she is smart in a clever kind of way that could help the team by having her use that cleverness to figure of puzzles.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict? Reynie is thanking Mr.Benedict for all he has done just to get this team together. This is a great opportunity for such a smart kid like Reynie and so he is thanking him for what has happened so far.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society? The Mysterious Benedict Society is a team of very smart,clever thinking group of kids that are going to lead Mr.Benedict to success in his mission that he has been trying to solve all his life.
Tuesday, February 28th Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense Due Thursday, March 1st Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book? : So far I am liking this book, it's interesting and very mysterious that wants me to keep reading. A question that I have that I know will be answered in the book is why Constance is so important to being on the team?
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive?: Executives are people that run the whole show or show everyone around. Just like at a school when a new student comes to look at the school the principal runs the show and shows them around. Messengers are students too, except they are at the top of the pyramid and get special privileges
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book?: Jackson and Jillson are people who shows new students around the campus and make sure they know where their going. Their is something not right about both Jackson and Jillson, their attitude is crabby and it seems as if their hiding a secret.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means?: I think that kate was trying to prove that she knows shes the best at what she does and it's easy to prove someone that your good at everything when your doing what your best at.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important?: A cliff-hanger is a part in the story where is leaves you hanging or doesn't give lots of information on what just happened, the author makes you have to read the next chapter of part. These are important because the information that you didn't find out could've been important.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book?: I think there was a trap disguised with a plant ontop because I think that maybe there is a secret underground that the Institute didn't want other people seeing. I think that it will be important to the kids because if they figured out why the trap was their then it could lead them to important information that could help the figure out the sender. When an author gives yuo clues that will occur further into the book I do not know what it is called.
7. Who are the helpers?: The helpers are like the janitors at a school. They clean up trash and other things.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? An idiom is a way of life or a natural way of doing things. This phrase means you do whatever you feel like or want to do.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted?: I think that the Institute does have rules because Jackson listed things that you can do but only for a certain amount of time, that is a rule.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? A free market is a market economy based on supply and demand with little or no government control. A completely free market is an idealized form of a market economy where buyers and sellers are allowed to transact freely (i.e. buy/sell/trade) based on a mutual agreement on price without state intervention in the form of taxes, subsidies or regulation.
Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/freemarket.asp#ixzz1noPZDvcm
Vocabulary Words for you to look up: fate and diminutive size from page 152 ardous from page 164
Fate- Noun: The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
Diminutive- Adj: Extremely or unusually small.
Ardous- Adj: Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Read Beware the Gemini
Due Monday, March 5th
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous,"what does this word mean? The word conspicuous means, standing out so as to be clearly visible. Attracting notice or attention.
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to? The recruiters and Institute scouts are the people that make sure everyone is doing what their supposed to and are following the rules. There the strong incharge people in black suits.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer.: I know the kids are probally kidnapped because if the kids were with their parents and having a good life the kids wouldn't be not talking and just doing whatever the people in charge say.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain: Mr.Curtain gets smart kids so that in the end they can help him, Mr.Curtain is sneaky and knows what he's doing.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person?: I think Mr.Curtain can not be the same person as Mr.Benedict because when the kids were talking in Morse code across the campus to Rhonda or number two Mr.Benedict was there telling Rhonda or number two what to say.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be?: Everything is backwards at the institute so nobody catches on to the senders plan that is going on and so no one gets suspicious. The people at the institute are trying to hide as much information as they can, so that there secret isn't given away.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179?: Sasquatch means bigfoot: large hairy humanoid creature said to live in wilderness areas of the United States and Canada.
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important?: A cryptic message means having or seeming to have hidden something. This is important to the story because the institute is hiding information from the kids attending it so thats why the Mysterious Benedict Society team is going to figure that important info out.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies?: This is true that maybe you will sometimes disagree but that's why there ar emore people in a society that can help make the decision.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter?: A gemini is The Northern Constellation or Twins. This wprd is important to this chapter because the kids found out that Mr.Benedict has a twin that is in the institute.
Monday, March 5th
Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute? I think the Institute doesn't allow mirrors because when a kid that was kidnapped looks in the mirror he will realize who he is and what he is doing and go home.
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means. The idiom is a way of life or doing things naturally, the idiom is that everyday in every class, somebody groaned, acted suprised or begged the teacher not to give the assignment.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life? This means the people who you thought you could trust,you can no longer trust, the people who you thought were telling the truth, they wern't. This message relates to the kid's.Mr. Benedict would say do your best on all your tests and trust no one.
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina? The SQ would act so suprised because shes never seen someone do so well on these hard tests before. The upseted Martina because shes not use too having kids that are smarter then her and he doesn't like when kids get awarded for something good that they do because she wants to be the one being rewarded.
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?" The kids learned in this chapter to stay away from Martina and not to trust anyone.This chapter is called lesson learned because the kids learned to keep up the good work and they found out about Martina so it was a lesson learned.
6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean? Averted means to turn away or look away so the helpers looked away because their not allowed to talk to anyone so that was a way of ignoring.
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance? I think Mr.Curtain was always looking by the bridge because he wants to see maybe if someone is escaping or if the new kidnapped kids have arrived.
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean? Cocophony means harsh tone of a mixture of loudness or emotion. So the corridor bursted into lots of deep conversation or lous harsh discussion.
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer. The students wouldn't want to go to the waiting room because you'd be seeing Mr.Curtain then and Mr.Curtain is scary and harsh so you'd probally be going to the office for something important. Also It would just make you nervous sitting in the waiting room wondering why you are there.
Wednesday, March 7th Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean? The simile means that it was hard to keep his eyes open or they were so tired they wanted to close.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to? Jackson is reffering to no one can talk right now because I said say and you listen to me.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean? Malice means the intension or desire to do evil. Sticky could feel the evil without even looking at Martina.
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations? This chapter is called Logical And Miscalculations because Constance and Kate are not doing well on their tests so their failing and the team has to figure out a way to get their grades up so everyone can become Messengers and find out more information to report back to Mr.Benedict.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....? Taxes,war,health and the justice system has to do with a fruit because people should be clean and healthy and pretty just like a fruit, the justice system should be clean with no goverment problems.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what? The symbol poison apples,poison worms refers to Matina being mean so she is poisoning them with her mean looks that scare the kids away from her.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning. No he is not wrong because the sender could poison you by putting the messages in food or the T.V that could make him hear the messages. He could actually be poisoned just in that way.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to? They were referring to the senders messages. Mr.Benedict was sending the kids a message trying to help explain what the sender is trying to do.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean? What Mr.Benedict means is that the kids always tell the truth and their worried about lieing so their belief or wanting to tell the truth so much is what will protect them.Since the kids want to tell the truth they won't get in trouble.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice? Constance can hear the Messengers voice because she did something like ate ice cream that had something in it that made her hear it.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219. The response that the children got from the mainland was that the girls needed to cheat on their tests to get better grades so that they could become messengers and get more information.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible? It is important that the kids become Messengers so they find out more information and can report back to Mr.Benedict and figure out important info that could lead the kids to figuring out the senders process.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222? Evasively means to ignore peoples questions or ignore the situation.
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges? Charlie coudn't explain about the special privileges because he would get in trouble. The messengers are not allowed to tell any information about the institue.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous? Reynie was jealous because when he looked at the list to see who got the messenger job,he didn't get it. He was upset because he wants new information to tell Me.Benedict.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean? Imperceptibly means impossible to come aware. Mr.Curtain rolled his chair so close to Reynie that he wasn't aware.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement? It means that if you don't trust somebody now,they may be friends with you later in life.
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238) Deja vu is the experience of feeling sure that one has already witnessed or experienced a current situation.
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean? This means that keep things under control so nothing goes wrong.
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? This chapter is called Of Families Lost and Found because Reynie wishes he had a family but he remembers that his friends are his family.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? This means that even though we didn't figure it out yet have hope because your answer can still be found.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" Reynie is saying that one person that you don't think matters now really is truly important to you and you care for them
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? This means that it doesn't matter if you don't have a family it means that people around you can feel like your family.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? The cliff hanger of the chapter is that Reynie realizes that even though he doesn't have a family, he actually does have a family. His friends.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter? Family is an important theme because Reynie figures out that with his friends there supporting him he feels like there his family.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? The author named this chapter "Tactical Caciupi" because it means something that is annyoing or causes pain.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. Turbines: A machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor, typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving... The turbines could be used for a way of brainwashing people so they don't remember anything or a way of storaging the kidnapped kids.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? Kate was using her spy class to look at the turbines because trucks were dropping important things off there.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? Knowing Sticky's talents he could memorize the information from the book so that they could report back to Mr.Benedict.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? This means that the illusion of perfect control means the same thing as there is no such thing as perfect control.
12. How can you have an illusion of control? You can have an illusion of control because you could get a vision or figure out how you can control the situation or person.
13. Explain "brainsweeping." Brainsweeping is just another term for brainwashing. It makes people lose some of their memory.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? The special recruits are not scared because their brainwashed so they don't understand what's going on.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? The improvement that they are talking about is changing it so there is no messengers just executives.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means? I think the message is something Mr.Curtain wrote to himself that would help him believe that he has the power. It gave him a boost of confidence.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" This chapter is called Caught in the Act because sticky gets caught cheating and gets sent to the waiting room.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? Precipice:A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one. Reynie had a weird feeling in his stomach as if he had just fallen off a cliff.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall? The kid's were trying to climb the wall because they wanted to see what was going on in the gym before anybody had saw them.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be? The improvement is a plan to send the messages but stronger and more powerful. Mr.Curitan (Curtain) wants the messages to be sent through the turbines so there more powerful.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence? Ominous: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. The back door gave a weird thump as if something bad was going to happen.
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. When Sticky came out of the Waiting Room he was covered in slimy mud and he walked toward Reynie as if he was a zombie. His eyes were bloodshoot red because he was just crying.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? Sticky didn't talk ater (after) he came out of the waiting room because he was so in shock of what had just happend.(happened)
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book? Kate: She is very useful,because of her bucket. In her bucket she has tools that can help her in certain situations. Constance: She is small,so she can fit in smaller places, she has an attitute (attitude) that she could smart somebody out with. Reynie: He is very smart and clever,knows what to do. Sticky: He remembers things, he is very smart and clever.
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky)
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. The main idea of the chapters is Sticky gets sent to the waiting room and when he comes out he's in such shock that he doesn't want to do to the waiting room again tommarow (tomorrow) to see Mr.Cutain. (Curtain.)
Friday, March 16th
Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done? The dilemma that Sticky was facing was he had to wait in the waiting room and the waiting room is not a good place to go. In this situation I wouldn't have been able to do anything but just take the pain.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control." Mr.Curtains view of control is that he wants to have thw world under his power and control so everyone does what he does.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying? I think Sticky and Reynie got off the hook because Mr.Curtain knows that these boys are very smart and they were just pressured by Martina. Mr.Curtain knows that the boys know what there doing.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence? Maveloence means that she was happy or excited. She ws (was) happy about becoming a messenger.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why. I think Martina was promoted to an Executive because she has such power and intensity and thats what Mr.Curtain needs, a strong powerful leader.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them? Mr.Curtain believes that the boys didn't trust Martina but he thinks that she could become useful in the future.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers? Mr.Curtain made the boys messengers because it wasn't fare (fair) to have Martina become an Executive and the boys,for how smart they are become nothing. Bring this one up the next time that we meet.
8. The coded message read:
With open eyes now you may find
A place you must exit to enter.
Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking. I think this message means if you keep and eye out you may find the answers to your problem.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? I think that in Reynies dream he was getting kidnapped and was getting brainswept.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Resolutely means that Reynie and Sticky shook hands frimly (firmly) or hard and proud.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Jackson is basically calling Sticky stupid or he was suprised (Surprised) that Sticky didn't know that he doesn't have to go to class because you already became a messenger.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? The boys couldn't know the way to the Whispering Gallery because there not Executives yet there still Messengers and Messengers don't get "all" of the special privliges.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery is a big sized room but yet it only has one desk, the room also has two couch cushions in a corner and in the center of the room is a machine that look likes an old fashion hair dryer.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? Austere means to be serious or strict. So the Whispering Gallery is serious and powerful.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why? I think that Mr.Curtain uses control because that is a word of confidence,and Mr.Curtain is confident with his plans.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The whisperer is able to take away your fears and makes you feel good about yourself. What can it not do? The whisperer is unable to make you think things a certain way.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? He is talking about that the ideas or thoughts are processed very easy.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? This is the Whisperers process, it inputs data into their heads.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? This phrase is repeated because Mr.Curtain brings it up everytime someone were to have a session with the Whisperer.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The question was what is your biggest fear? Stickys biggest fear was not being wanted from his parents or anybody.
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? Reynie didn't want to sit with the rest of the messengers because he was telling Kate and Constance about the Whisperer. His excuse was that he had stomach viruses.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? This means that Reynie has a good thought in mind that could help or his brain is on and at work.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" We know that Mr.Curtain will be done with the Messengers because the Messengers are just used for the Whisperer, Mr.Curtain just needs the thoughts so he won't need them anymore.
16. What are the clues about the trap? The clues about the trap is the boulders that are not on the path. Since the Institute rules are no walking off of the paths then it almost seems like they want them to go off the paths.
17. How did the kids figure out the code? The kids figured out the code because S.Q left them a note that said "LOSE the new code? Turn OVER for new code!" Reynie had figured it out that you didn't have to flip over the paper,you needed to turn the paper upside down. The word on the paper "LOSE" made the numbers 3507 and that's the code to get into the door. Good
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" This chapter is called Practice Makes Perfect because the kids find a newspaper room with all the diary entries that the kids had saw in Mr.Curtains diary or journal. Mr.Curtain has been practicing the journal entries to go into the newspaper. The kids finally realize that the helpers,messengers and the recruiters are all part of Mr.Curtains plan.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? The goverment press releases are dated for the future because Mr.Curtain is still working on his plan to have the messages be sent all over the world.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean? The article means that all Mr.Curtain is trying to do is to trick people that they should worry about the messages, when all he is trying to do is get people to like him.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? Mr.Curtain wants fear in everyone because the Whisperer can create the kids to be calm and relaxed. The Whisperer is a way to help the problems, relax the issue and hopefully solve it.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? Mr. Curtain wants an Amnesia Sanctuary because he needs to save or keep the kids that resist him so that he can use them later when he finds all the people that resist him.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" This chapter is called "Know Thine Enemy" because the kids see a recruiter out on the plaza and he was watching them but when really it was Milligan. The kids thought that someone was watching them or trying to get them but there wasn't, it was only Milligan.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" The memory terminal is where Mr.Curtain stores the kids that like him or people that have got the messages into there head that they like him.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? He is reffering to the memory terminal. The kids found out that Mr.Curtain has been making newspaper aticles to send all around the world. The kids needed to stop him but its to late.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? The recruiter was Milligan out ont the plaza. He was staring at the kids because he wanted them to go out there by him but all they were doing was looking back at him.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? He would send the message to hurry because they were running out of time and you never know when Mr.Curtain could launch his plan.
11. Why was Milligan on the island? Milligan was on the island because Mr.Benedict had sent him to get the kids and bring them back to him because the mission was completed.
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? The kids wouldn't follow Milligan because they wanted to stay at the Institute to figure out more. Just when Mr.Benedict thought they were finished, they really were just getting started on finding out good information.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? The message was that he wanted to remind the kids that every single one of the kids was important to the teams sucess and that you must rely on each other.
Friday, March 23rd Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364? Reynies plan that he thought at the tip of his head was to find a way to disable or make the Whisperer not be able to work because Reynie is starting to think he's begining to think if he should join Mr.Curtain.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" Reynie is afraid of betraying because if he were to lose his friends he would have nobody to support him and his friends are his family. Without them he wouldn't have a family.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself? Reynie was doubting himself because he doesn't want to betray his friends but he loves the Whisperer because it helps him through his problems.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message? Reynie was sending Mr.Benedict a message because he was unsure of hiself and didn't know what to do because the Whisperer was so powerful and was affecting Reynies brain.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back? The message that Mr.Benedict sent back was "Remember the white horse."
6. What did the message mean? This message was reffering to the chess game. If you make a move and you realize it wasn't the right move you can't go back and start over.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? Kate was able to get into the elevator by shooting a marble over jacksons head because he was blocking the elevator so then he got out of the way so then Kate was able to sneak into the elevator.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? Kate didn't want to push any of the buttons in the elevator because just like in a regular elevator your scared that an alarm will go off. Kate thought that if she pushed a button and an alarm were to go off people would find out that Kate was in it.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear? Mr.Curtain deals with fear by having the Whisperer make an illusion that there is no such thing as fear so it calms you and makes you relax.
10. What is Martina's job? Matina's job is a sweeper which is to make sure that all of the other Whisperers that people besides the Mysterious Benedict team know about to get to where they are supposed to be safely and on time.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert? Mr.Curtain was able to know if anyone was in the culvert by just pouring some hot tea in it so if anyone was in it he would know.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her? Kate thought she saw a shark swimming around in the water but it was only a rock that was in the shape of a shark.
Monday, March 26th Read Sacrifices, Narrow Escapes, and Something Like a Plan and Bad News and Sticky's Discovery
1. Describe Reynie: Reynie is a unique person because he does not like t.v, he is very smart and knows what he is doing. He is a honest boy that doesen't cheat even when needing help like most other kids would do.
2. On page five, it states that Reynie looked for solitude and freedom from persecution. What does this mean? Use evidence from the text to support your answers. : This means that no one else ever ventured into it or in other terms, no one would ever come into it.
3. Why would Reynie break his pencil in half for someone that he didn't even know?: Reynie broke his pencil in half for someone he didn't even know because he would not like to be in the situation that the girl was. He wouldn't want to lose his pencil right before the most important test yet and ruin his opportunity to something huge.
4. On page 17, it states that Reynie, "felt the weight of loneliness upon him." Why? What happened, use evidence to support your answers.: Reynie was offered to cheat of look at Rhondas paper because he helped her with the pencil problem and he said no and then maybve he was thinking that maybe I would need the help and answers so he felt the loneliness hang over him so he was questioning.
5. Is cheating ever ok? How and why did Reynie resist the temptation? I believe that cheating is never ok because you will never get better or learn if your not thinking for yourself, somebody is thinking for you. Reynie knew that if he cheated and he passed that he could not talk to Miss. Perumal without revealing that he cheated.
6. Why are rules made?: I think that rules are made for a reason not just because but to help and guide and lead you into doing the right things. Why are those so many rules in chapter one? There are lots of rules in chapter one i think it had something to do with following directions, seeing if the kids could follow the directions too see if they really do have what it takes to be in this special program. Due Friday, February 17th
Read Buckets and Spectacles, Squares and Arrows and The Trouble with Children or, Why They are Necessary?
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1. Reynie says he doesn't like television. Do you believe him? Why or why not?: I believe that Reynie doesn't like television because he is such a smart kid that you would think he would be studying or reading for school instead of watching t.v..
2. Why is it important for this team to work together?: It is important to work together because Mr.Benedict said that the mission is very dangerous so their lifes could be at risk so it is couls to have someone to talk to when you are in trouble.
3. At the beginning of the chapter Rhonda doesn't seem upset at all - why?: Rhonda wasn't upset because she really didn't lose her pencil she just was acting like another kid going to take the test but really it was just all part of Mr.Benedicts plan.
4. Describe Kate and Sticky. Who do you think are the protagonist and antagonist of the story so far? : Kate is very powerful, strong and is very smart with the use of tools in a tough situation. Sticky is very timid with what he does. He is smart and can memorize lots of stuff but he tends to get nervous a lot. The antagonist out of Kate and Sticky would be kate just by her personality and the way she figures out to do things is smart and fishey. On the other hand Sticky is very shy and laid back often.
1. What is the most important test the children passed in order to be selected?: The most important test is the last test. Mr.Benedict wants to know if they can realy remember the way to get to the bell not just that it was luck.
2. How are they tested?: One kid at a time gets put into a a maze that has all the rooms the same, the kid has to fine the staircase and go down it and ring the bell and then check their time.
3. Why doesn’t it seem to matter that all the children solve the problem in a different way?: It doesn't matter how the kids solved the maze in a different way because all that matters is they solved it in a certain amount of time and not an ordinary child would be able to solve the maze.
4. What is narcolepsy? How does this affect Mr. Benedict?: Narcolepsy is a disease that makes you fall asleep at random times for only a short period of time. It affects Mr. Benedict because when he is talking to people he will just fall asleep.
5, Where is Zambia? Find out two interesting facts about this place.: Zambia is in the southern part of Africa and east of Angola and north of Botswana.
Zambia is economically speaking an up and coming country in Southern Africa. Victoria Falls is one of the biggest tourist attraction sites.
6. Is Bembi a real language?: Bembi is not a real language. The people of South Africa speak IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, English, Setswana, Sesotho, and Xitsonga .
7. Why do you think Mr. Benedict wants this group of children for an important assignment?: I think Mr. Benedict picked these kids because they are smart and they have no parents. If he attracted other kids that have parents the parents would say no if they knew that it is a dangerous mission.
8. What does the word " vexed" mean and how is it used in these two chapters?: Vexed means causing difficulty in finding an answer or solution. Mr.Benedict was having trouble finding the right group of kids and this is their last chance.
Great answers Alicia!
Due Monday, February 20th
Read The Sender and The Messenger
Answer the following questions on your page
Use complete sentences
1.With so much in common, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance still have dissimilar traits.
What are the traits they possess that bring them together?: The traits that bring them together into one big great team is their all different so with all their skills out together it turns out to be something great and strong. That's what Mr. Benedict picked this group of kids to go on a mission.
2. What causes discord among the team members?: What causes some problems is maybe the kids could become too different that their differences pulls them apart, so their not able to work well together. It could also be the way they get along with each other, that could be an important factor that could matter.
3. What in their backgrounds and family life is similar? What is dissimilar?: The kids all have in common that they have no parents so each kid needs lots of support to help them get through the hard times or when they miss their parents. What is dissimilar is the kids personalitys, their all smart but just in their own special way.
4. How do the likenesses play a role in their assignment?: It matters if the kids are alike or not because some how along the journey their all going to have to pull together and work with each other to complete the mission.
Due Wednesday, February 22nd
Wednesday, February 22nd
Read Men In The Maze, Codes and Histories, The Thing to Come and The Naming of the Crew
Due Tuesday, February 28th
1. Why do you think that Mr. Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach?: I think Mr.Benedict is telling the children to pay attention to what the Institute doesn't teach because then by figuring out what they do teach the kids could find some information about what has been going on at the Institute.
2. What is Morse code? Who invented this communication system and what was it used for?: Morse code is a language used to communicate back and forth in a secret agency way. Samual Morse invented Morse code. He thought of it as a way to impress his father with smarts but also include his artistic skills.
3. Mr. Benedict on page 119 states, "Whether you always agree is inconsequential,..." What does this mean?: How does this fit into the definition of a team?: What Mr.Benedict meant was if you do always agree is not important but you must continue to look out for each other because you are a team now.
4. When Sticky tells about his background, he says that philanthropists began sending his parents money, what are philanthropists? It also says that Sticky was astonished and mortified - about what?: Philanthropists are people who are caring and love, people who focus on the quality of life. This made sticky surprised but he figured out his parents tried less and less to find him each day.
5. Constance had a breakthrough on page 124, describe this event.: Constance was having a hard time controlling herself after sticky had told his back round information. I think Sticky's story may have reminded her of something that had happened in her past that was sad like sticky's story. Constance just tried to change the subject because it reminded her of her past.
6. Milligan has amnesia and wears disguises - why? Milligan has amnesia, which means you can't remember things. This all started when he found himself tied to a chair on Nomansan Island which is where they process of the sender and messenger works. Milligan wears disguises because she escaped from the two men that got him there in the first place and she doesn't want the men to recognize him and realize that he was the one who escaped from them.
7. At the end of the chapter, Milligan couldn't look at the children - why? At the end of the chapter Milligan couldn't look at the children because he was so in shock and upset telling about his past.
8. What is the "unintended consequence" mentioned on page 135? The unintended consequence is the thing Mr.Benedict has been waiting to see when and what was going to happen all this time. The sender is holding something back something that can be really big when it does happen.
9. Describe the Sender.The sender is very sneaky and clever. The sender has been holding something against this whole situation the whole time so the sender has a plan that could affect Mr. Benedict's plan to find out who the sender is and the process.
10. Why was Reynie doubting his trust for Mr. Benedict? Reynie was doubting his trust for Mr.Benedict because Reynie was thinking that if he was for real. Has he been lying this whole time about the mission.
11. What does the word "forged" mean on page 136? Forged means to be formed or become into something. So in the story the group of kids has to become forged into a team.
12. Again, why do you think that Constance is an important part of the team? Your answer should reflect change from the last time we discussed this. I think Constance is a part of the team because a reason that she is hiding from everyone else that Mr.Benedict knows and that the team will succeed if they have Constance.
13. Why is Mr. Benedict commonly found on the floor? Mr. Benedict is on the floor often because he falls asleep at random times because of his Narcolepsy, when he is alone he is on the floor because Number 1 and 2 are not there to catch him when he is standing up.
14. How could Constance we the key to the team's success? I think that Constance is hiding something from the team, but from what i already know is that she is smart in a clever kind of way that could help the team by having her use that cleverness to figure of puzzles.
15. On page 143, why is Reynie thanking Mr. Benedict? Reynie is thanking Mr.Benedict for all he has done just to get this team together. This is a great opportunity for such a smart kid like Reynie and so he is thanking him for what has happened so far.
16. What is The Mysterious Benedict Society? The Mysterious Benedict Society is a team of very smart,clever thinking group of kids that are going to lead Mr.Benedict to success in his mission that he has been trying to solve all his life.
Tuesday, February 28th Read Nomansan Island and Traps and Nonsense Due Thursday, March 1st Normansan Island
1. How are you enjoying this book so far? What questions do you currently have about this book that you think will be answered as we continue with the book? : So far I am liking this book, it's interesting and very mysterious that wants me to keep reading. A question that I have that I know will be answered in the book is why Constance is so important to being on the team?
2. Who are the executives and what is their job? What's the difference between a messenger and an executive?: Executives are people that run the whole show or show everyone around. Just like at a school when a new student comes to look at the school the principal runs the show and shows them around. Messengers are students too, except they are at the top of the pyramid and get special privileges
3. Describe Jackson and Jillson. What do you think their role is in this book?: Jackson and Jillson are people who shows new students around the campus and make sure they know where their going. Their is something not right about both Jackson and Jillson, their attitude is crabby and it seems as if their hiding a secret.
4. On page 160 it states that Kate was, "trying to prove she didn't need anyone's help and this was easiest to believe when she was doing what she was good at." What do you think this means?: I think that kate was trying to prove that she knows shes the best at what she does and it's easy to prove someone that your good at everything when your doing what your best at.
5. The end of the chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. What is a cliff-hanger and why it important?: A cliff-hanger is a part in the story where is leaves you hanging or doesn't give lots of information on what just happened, the author makes you have to read the next chapter of part. These are important because the information that you didn't find out could've been important.
Traps and Nonsense
6. Why do you think there was a trap disguised with a plant on top? Do you think this will be important later in the book? What is that called when an author gives you clues as to what is going to occur further into the book?: I think there was a trap disguised with a plant ontop because I think that maybe there is a secret underground that the Institute didn't want other people seeing. I think that it will be important to the kids because if they figured out why the trap was their then it could lead them to important information that could help the figure out the sender. When an author gives yuo clues that will occur further into the book I do not know what it is called.
7. Who are the helpers?: The helpers are like the janitors at a school. They clean up trash and other things.
8. On page 166, the phrase "Whatever floats your boat," is an idiom. What is an idiom and what does this phrase mean? An idiom is a way of life or a natural way of doing things. This phrase means you do whatever you feel like or want to do.
9. What do you think about the Institute having no rules? How is this statement contradicted?: I think that the Institute does have rules because Jackson listed things that you can do but only for a certain amount of time, that is a rule.
10. What is a free market? Why do they have to memorize a chant about the free market? A free market is a market economy based on supply and demand with little or no government control. A completely free market is an idealized form of a market economy where buyers and sellers are allowed to transact freely (i.e. buy/sell/trade) based on a mutual agreement on price without state intervention in the form of taxes, subsidies or regulation.
Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/freemarket.asp#ixzz1noPZDvcm
Vocabulary Words for you to look up: fate and diminutive size from page 152 ardous from page 164
Fate- Noun: The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
Diminutive- Adj: Extremely or unusually small.
Ardous- Adj: Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Read Beware the Gemini
Due Monday, March 5th
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
1. On page 174 it states that the new kids always felt "conspicuous,"what does this word mean? The word conspicuous means, standing out so as to be clearly visible. Attracting notice or attention.
2. What are the "recruiters" and "Institute scouts" that they are referring to? The recruiters and Institute scouts are the people that make sure everyone is doing what their supposed to and are following the rules. There the strong incharge people in black suits.
3. What clues are mentioned in the book that might suggest that the new arrivals might have been kidnapped? Use text evidence in your answer.: I know the kids are probally kidnapped because if the kids were with their parents and having a good life the kids wouldn't be not talking and just doing whatever the people in charge say.
4. Describe Mr. Curtain: Mr.Curtain gets smart kids so that in the end they can help him, Mr.Curtain is sneaky and knows what he's doing.
5. Could Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict be the same person?: I think Mr.Curtain can not be the same person as Mr.Benedict because when the kids were talking in Morse code across the campus to Rhonda or number two Mr.Benedict was there telling Rhonda or number two what to say.
6. Why would everything be backwards at the institute? What might their reasons for this be?: Everything is backwards at the institute so nobody catches on to the senders plan that is going on and so no one gets suspicious. The people at the institute are trying to hide as much information as they can, so that there secret isn't given away.
7. What does the word "sasquatch" mean that is mentioned on page 179?: Sasquatch means bigfoot: large hairy humanoid creature said to live in wilderness areas of the United States and Canada.
8. What is a cryptic message and why would this be important?: A cryptic message means having or seeming to have hidden something. This is important to the story because the institute is hiding information from the kids attending it so thats why the Mysterious Benedict Society team is going to figure that important info out.
9. On page 184 it states, "As is always the case with a society, some arguing remained to be done." Is this true and why might this be important to all societies?: This is true that maybe you will sometimes disagree but that's why there ar emore people in a society that can help make the decision.
10. What is "gemini" and why is this word important to this chapter?: A gemini is The Northern Constellation or Twins. This wprd is important to this chapter because the kids found out that Mr.Benedict has a twin that is in the institute.
Monday, March 5th
Read Lessons Learned and People and Places to be Avoided
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have put part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 7th
1. Why do you think that no mirrors can be found at the Institute? I think the Institute doesn't allow mirrors because when a kid that was kidnapped looks in the mirror he will realize who he is and what he is doing and go home.
2. Find the idiom on page 188 and explain what it means. The idiom is a way of life or doing things naturally, the idiom is that everyday in every class, somebody groaned, acted suprised or begged the teacher not to give the assignment.
3. What do you think of the statement, found on page 189, "Because it was impossible, in the end, to protect yourself from anything - no matter how hard you tried - it was important to try as hard as you could to protect yourself from everything." What does it mean in the story and what does it mean in life? This means the people who you thought you could trust,you can no longer trust, the people who you thought were telling the truth, they wern't. This message relates to the kid's.Mr. Benedict would say do your best on all your tests and trust no one.
4. Why would SQ say she was "astounded or astonished" when Sticky and Reynie had received perfect scores? Why would this upset Martina? The SQ would act so suprised because shes never seen someone do so well on these hard tests before. The upseted Martina because shes not use too having kids that are smarter then her and he doesn't like when kids get awarded for something good that they do because she wants to be the one being rewarded.
5. What lessons had the kids learned in this chapter? What would this chapter be named, "Lessons Learned?" The kids learned in this chapter to stay away from Martina and not to trust anyone.This chapter is called lesson learned because the kids learned to keep up the good work and they found out about Martina so it was a lesson learned.
6. The Helpers "averted" their eyes and had a "constant show of deference," why and what does this mean? Averted means to turn away or look away so the helpers looked away because their not allowed to talk to anyone so that was a way of ignoring.
7. Why do you think that Mr. Curtain often was looking toward the bridge and off into the distance? I think Mr.Curtain was always looking by the bridge because he wants to see maybe if someone is escaping or if the new kidnapped kids have arrived.
8. On page 201 it says that the corridor erupted into a "cacophony," what does this mean? Cocophony means harsh tone of a mixture of loudness or emotion. So the corridor bursted into lots of deep conversation or lous harsh discussion.
9. Why wouldn't the students want to go to the Waiting Room? Use text evidence to support your answer. The students wouldn't want to go to the waiting room because you'd be seeing Mr.Curtain then and Mr.Curtain is scary and harsh so you'd probally be going to the office for something important. Also It would just make you nervous sitting in the waiting room wondering why you are there.
Wednesday, March 7th Read Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations and Poison Apples/Poison Worms and A Surprising Suggestion Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Friday, March 9th
1. What does the simile "his eyelids felt heavy as anvils" mean? The simile means that it was hard to keep his eyes open or they were so tired they wanted to close.
2. On page 210, Jackson stated, "You can say whatever you like when you have permission, right now no one has permission." What is he referring to? Jackson is reffering to no one can talk right now because I said say and you listen to me.
3. On page 211, Sticky could feel the "malice," what does this mean? Malice means the intension or desire to do evil. Sticky could feel the evil without even looking at Martina.
4. Why is this chapter called Logical Conclusions and Miscalculations? This chapter is called Logical And Miscalculations because Constance and Kate are not doing well on their tests so their failing and the team has to figure out a way to get their grades up so everyone can become Messengers and find out more information to report back to Mr.Benedict.
5. How does fruit fit in with the discussion of taxes, war, health, the justice system.....? Taxes,war,health and the justice system has to do with a fruit because people should be clean and healthy and pretty just like a fruit, the justice system should be clean with no goverment problems.
6. The symbol poison apples, poison worms refers to what? The symbol poison apples,poison worms refers to Matina being mean so she is poisoning them with her mean looks that scare the kids away from her.
7. Reynie looked at the literal meaning of being poisoned, was he wrong? Explain your reasoning. No he is not wrong because the sender could poison you by putting the messages in food or the T.V that could make him hear the messages. He could actually be poisoned just in that way.
8. On page 216, it states that, "Most of us will simple feel irritable and confused." Have you heard this before? Where and what were they referring to? They were referring to the senders messages. Mr.Benedict was sending the kids a message trying to help explain what the sender is trying to do.
9. Mr. Benedict told the children that their love for the truth will protect them, what does this mean? What Mr.Benedict means is that the kids always tell the truth and their worried about lieing so their belief or wanting to tell the truth so much is what will protect them.Since the kids want to tell the truth they won't get in trouble.
10. Why can Constance hear the Messenger's voice? Constance can hear the Messengers voice because she did something like ate ice cream that had something in it that made her hear it.
11. Explain the response the children got from the mainland on page 219. The response that the children got from the mainland was that the girls needed to cheat on their tests to get better grades so that they could become messengers and get more information.
12. Why is it so important that the children become Messengers as quickly as possible? It is important that the kids become Messengers so they find out more information and can report back to Mr.Benedict and figure out important info that could lead the kids to figuring out the senders process.
13. What does the word "evasively" mean at the bottom of page 222? Evasively means to ignore peoples questions or ignore the situation.
14. Why couldn't Charlie explain about the special privileges? Charlie coudn't explain about the special privileges because he would get in trouble. The messengers are not allowed to tell any information about the institue.
Friday, March 9th
Read Tests and Invitations and Everything as it Should Be
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 12th
1. Why was Reynie jealous? Reynie was jealous because when he looked at the list to see who got the messenger job,he didn't get it. He was upset because he wants new information to tell Me.Benedict.
2. On page 236, it says that Mr. Curtain rolled his chair almost "imperceptibly", what does this mean? Imperceptibly means impossible to come aware. Mr.Curtain rolled his chair so close to Reynie that he wasn't aware.
3. "If you don't trust them, keep them close." What does this mean and why would Reynie say this statement? It means that if you don't trust somebody now,they may be friends with you later in life.
4. What is a sense of "deja vu?" (page 238) Deja vu is the experience of feeling sure that one has already witnessed or experienced a current situation.
5. "Control is always the key." What is this supposed to mean? This means that keep things under control so nothing goes wrong.
Read Of Families Lost and Found and Tactical Caciupi Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Wednesday, March 14th
1. Why is this chapter called Of Families Lost and Found? This chapter is called Of Families Lost and Found because Reynie wishes he had a family but he remembers that his friends are his family.
2. On page 254, it states, "What has been lost may yet be found, Have hope." What does this message from the mainland mean? This means that even though we didn't figure it out yet have hope because your answer can still be found.
3. Respond to Reynie's idea of what a family might be all about, "I have no experience, but well, is this what family is like? The feeling that everyone's connected, that with one piece missing the whole thing's broken?" Reynie is saying that one person that you don't think matters now really is truly important to you and you care for them
4. On page 257, it, "family is often born of blood, but it doesn't depend on blood." What does this mean? This means that it doesn't matter if you don't have a family it means that people around you can feel like your family.
5. What was the cliff hanger in the chapter Of Families Lost and Found? The cliff hanger of the chapter is that Reynie realizes that even though he doesn't have a family, he actually does have a family. His friends.
6. Why do you think that family is such an important theme that is woven in and out of almost each chapter? Family is an important theme because Reynie figures out that with his friends there supporting him he feels like there his family.
7. What does "Tactical Caciupi" mean and why would the author name this chapter that title? The author named this chapter "Tactical Caciupi" because it means something that is annyoing or causes pain.
8. Why would Mr. Curtain say that one of his biggest accomplishments would be the invention of his tidal turbines? Explain what these are and how might they be used on the island. Turbines: A machine for producing continuous power in which a wheel or rotor, typically fitted with vanes, is made to revolve by a fast-moving... The turbines could be used for a way of brainwashing people so they don't remember anything or a way of storaging the kidnapped kids.
9. What was Kate using her spy glass/kaleidoscope for? Kate was using her spy class to look at the turbines because trucks were dropping important things off there.
10. Knowing Sticky's talents, what do you think he is being used for when it comes to the journal? Knowing Sticky's talents he could memorize the information from the book so that they could report back to Mr.Benedict.
11. On page 267, the first entry is read and one part states, "There is no such thing as perfect control. I have come to understand, however, that the illusion of perfect control can amount to the same thing." What does this mean and what implications might this have on the story? This means that the illusion of perfect control means the same thing as there is no such thing as perfect control.
12. How can you have an illusion of control? You can have an illusion of control because you could get a vision or figure out how you can control the situation or person.
13. Explain "brainsweeping." Brainsweeping is just another term for brainwashing. It makes people lose some of their memory.
14. Why aren't the special recruits every scared? The special recruits are not scared because their brainwashed so they don't understand what's going on.
15. What do you think the "improvement" is that they are talking about on page 270? The improvement that they are talking about is changing it so there is no messengers just executives.
16. What do you think his message on page 272 means? I think the message is something Mr.Curtain wrote to himself that would help him believe that he has the power. It gave him a boost of confidence.
Wednesday, March 14th
Read Caught in the Act and The Waiting Room
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 16th
1. Why is this chapter called, "Caught in the Act?" This chapter is called Caught in the Act because sticky gets caught cheating and gets sent to the waiting room.
2. On page 277 it says, "precipice." What does this mean and how is it used in the sentence? Precipice:A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one. Reynie had a weird feeling in his stomach as if he had just fallen off a cliff.
3. Why were Reynie, Kate and Constance trying to climb the wall? The kid's were trying to climb the wall because they wanted to see what was going on in the gym before anybody had saw them.
4. Again, it mentions the "improvement." Any clues as to what this might be? The improvement is a plan to send the messages but stronger and more powerful. Mr.Curitan (Curtain) wants the messages to be sent through the turbines so there more powerful.
5. On page 282, the word "ominous" is used. What does this word mean and how is it used in the sentence? Ominous: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. The back door gave a weird thump as if something bad was going to happen.
6. Describe Sticky as he came out of the Waiting Room. When Sticky came out of the Waiting Room he was covered in slimy mud and he walked toward Reynie as if he was a zombie. His eyes were bloodshoot red because he was just crying.
7. Why wouldn't Sticky talk after he came out? Sticky didn't talk ater (after) he came out of the waiting room because he was so in shock of what had just happend.(happened)
8. List the main characters and what they have to offer to a "team." Why might this be important to the rest of the book? Kate: She is very useful,because of her bucket. In her bucket she has tools that can help her in certain situations. Constance: She is small,so she can fit in smaller places, she has an attitute (attitude) that she could smart somebody out with. Reynie: He is very smart and clever,knows what to do. Sticky: He remembers things, he is very smart and clever.
(Reynie, Constance, Kate and Sticky)
9. What was the main idea for this chapter? Give two supporting details. The main idea of the chapters is Sticky gets sent to the waiting room and when he comes out he's in such shock that he doesn't want to do to the waiting room again tommarow (tomorrow) to see Mr.Cutain. (Curtain.)
Friday, March 16th
Read Punishments and Promotions and Half a Riddle
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Monday, March 19th
1. What was the dilemma that Sticky was facing with Mr. Curtain? What would you have done? The dilemma that Sticky was facing was he had to wait in the waiting room and the waiting room is not a good place to go. In this situation I wouldn't have been able to do anything but just take the pain.
2. State Mr. Curtain's view on the idea of "control." Mr.Curtains view of control is that he wants to have thw world under his power and control so everyone does what he does.
3. Why do you think that Sticky got off the hook for cheating and Reynie got off the hook for lying? I think Sticky and Reynie got off the hook because Mr.Curtain knows that these boys are very smart and they were just pressured by Martina. Mr.Curtain knows that the boys know what there doing.
4, On page 304 it states that Martina's face, "shone with malevolence," what does this mean and how does that apply to this sentence? Maveloence means that she was happy or excited. She ws (was) happy about becoming a messenger.
5. Why would Martina be promoted to Executive? Give reasons and your thinking as to why. I think Martina was promoted to an Executive because she has such power and intensity and thats what Mr.Curtain needs, a strong powerful leader.
6. What does it mean when Mr. Curtain says that the "best way of dealing with those you don't trust is to keep them close." Reynie said this and now so has Mr. Curtain - what do you think this means for the both of them? Mr.Curtain believes that the boys didn't trust Martina but he thinks that she could become useful in the future.
7. Why did Mr. Curtain make Sticky and Reynie messengers? Mr.Curtain made the boys messengers because it wasn't fare (fair) to have Martina become an Executive and the boys,for how smart they are become nothing. Bring this one up the next time that we meet.
8. The coded message read:
With open eyes now you may find
A place you must exit to enter.
Where one ----
What do you think this message might mean? Give reasons for your thinking. I think this message means if you keep and eye out you may find the answers to your problem.
Monday, March 19th
Read The Whisperer and Open Sesame
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Wednesday, March 21st
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Reynie has a dream. What do you think the dream means? I think that in Reynies dream he was getting kidnapped and was getting brainswept.
2. On page 314, it states that Reynie and Sticky shook hands "resolutely," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Resolutely means that Reynie and Sticky shook hands frimly (firmly) or hard and proud.
3. On page 315, Jackson refers to Sticky or George as "dimwitted," what does this mean and how does it fit into the sentence? Jackson is basically calling Sticky stupid or he was suprised (Surprised)
that Sticky didn't know that he doesn't have to go to class because you already became a messenger.
4. Why couldn't the boys know the way to the Whispering Gallery? The boys couldn't know the way to the Whispering Gallery because there not Executives yet there still Messengers and Messengers don't get "all" of the special privliges.
5. Describe the Whispering Gallery. The Whispering Gallery is a big sized room but yet it only has one desk, the room also has two couch cushions in a corner and in the center of the room is a machine that look likes an old fashion hair dryer.
6. On page 317, it states that the Whispering Gallery is so "austere," what does this mean? Austere means to be serious or strict. So the Whispering Gallery is serious and powerful.
7. Again the idea of control comes up over and over, why? I think that Mr.Curtain uses control because that is a word of confidence,and Mr.Curtain is confident with his plans.
8. Describe what The Whispering can do and not do. The whisperer is able to take away your fears and makes you feel good about yourself. What can it not do? The whisperer is unable to make you think things a certain way.
9. On page 319, when Renyie states that, "They go down easier, like candy rather than medicine." What is he talking about? He is talking about that the ideas or thoughts are processed very easy.
10. On page 319 it refers to "inputting data," what is this? This is the Whisperers process, it inputs data into their heads.
11. On page 321, it states, "poison apples, poison worms," again - now what is this referring to? Why is this phrase repeated throughout the book? This phrase is repeated because Mr.Curtain brings it up everytime someone were to have a session with the Whisperer.
12. On the last page of The Whisperer" it ends with Sticky saying, "Not being wanted, not being wanted at all," what was the question? The question was what is your biggest fear? Stickys biggest fear was not being wanted from his parents or anybody.
13. Why didn't Reynie want to sit and eat with the rest of the messengers? What excuse did he give the messenger? Reynie didn't want to sit with the rest of the messengers because he was telling Kate and Constance about the Whisperer. His excuse was that he had stomach viruses.
14. On page 333, when Constance says that Reynie is "on," what does this mean? This means that Reynie has a good thought in mind that could help or his brain is on and at work.
15. How do we know that Mr. Curtain will be done with the Messengers after "the Improvement?" We know that Mr.Curtain will be done with the Messengers because the Messengers are just used for the Whisperer, Mr.Curtain just needs the thoughts so he won't need them anymore.
16. What are the clues about the trap? The clues about the trap is the boulders that are not on the path. Since the Institute rules are no walking off of the paths then it almost seems like they want them to go off the paths.
17. How did the kids figure out the code? The kids figured out the code because S.Q left them a note that said "LOSE the new code? Turn OVER for new code!" Reynie had figured it out that you didn't have to flip over the paper,you needed to turn the paper upside down. The word on the paper "LOSE" made the numbers 3507 and that's the code to get into the door. Good
Wednesday, March 21st
Read Practice Makes Perfect and Know Thine Enemy
Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer.
Due Friday, March 23rd
1. Why is this chapter called "Practice Makes Perfect?" This chapter is called Practice Makes Perfect because the kids find a newspaper room with all the diary entries that the kids had saw in Mr.Curtains diary or journal. Mr.Curtain has been practicing the journal entries to go into the newspaper. The kids finally realize that the helpers,messengers and the recruiters are all part of Mr.Curtains plan.
2. Why would the government press releases be dated for the future? The goverment press releases are dated for the future because Mr.Curtain is still working on his plan to have the messages be sent all over the world.
3. What does the article and page 346/347 mean? The article means that all Mr.Curtain is trying to do is to trick people that they should worry about the messages, when all he is trying to do is get people to like him.
4. Why would Mr. Curtain want to create fear in everyone? Mr.Curtain wants fear in everyone because the Whisperer can create the kids to be calm and relaxed. The Whisperer is a way to help the problems, relax the issue and hopefully solve it.
5. Why would Mr. Curtain want to put together an Amnesia Sanctuary? Mr. Curtain wants an Amnesia Sanctuary because he needs to save or keep the kids that resist him so that he can use them later when he finds all the people that resist him.
6. Why is this chapter called, "Know Thine Enemy?" This chapter is called "Know Thine Enemy" because the kids see a recruiter out on the plaza and he was watching them but when really it was Milligan. The kids thought that someone was watching them or trying to get them but there wasn't, it was only Milligan.
7. What is the "memory terminal?" The memory terminal is where Mr.Curtain stores the kids that like him or people that have got the messages into there head that they like him.
8. On page 353, Reynie states, "But we are too late! Much, much too late," what is he referring to? He is reffering to the memory terminal. The kids found out that Mr.Curtain has been making newspaper aticles to send all around the world. The kids needed to stop him but its to late.
9. Who was the "recruiter" staring up at the window at night? The recruiter was Milligan out ont the plaza. He was staring at the kids because he wanted them to go out there by him but all they were doing was looking back at him.
10. Why would he send the message to hurry? He would send the message to hurry because they were running out of time and you never know when Mr.Curtain could launch his plan.
11. Why was Milligan on the island? Milligan was on the island because Mr.Benedict had sent him to get the kids and bring them back to him because the mission was completed.
12. Why wouldn't the kids follow Milligan? The kids wouldn't follow Milligan because they wanted to stay at the Institute to figure out more. Just when Mr.Benedict thought they were finished, they really were just getting started on finding out good information.
13. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent with Milligan to give to the kids? The message was that he wanted to remind the kids that every single one of the kids was important to the teams sucess and that you must rely on each other.
Friday, March 23rd Read A Chess Lesson and The Mouse in the Culvert Answer the following questions and make sure that you have part of each question into each answer. Due Monday, March 26th
1. What is Reynie's plan that he refers to on page 364? Reynies plan that he thought at the tip of his head was to find a way to disable or make the Whisperer not be able to work because Reynie is starting to think he's begining to think if he should join Mr.Curtain.
2. Why was Reynie so afraid of "betraying?" Reynie is afraid of betraying because if he were to lose his friends he would have nobody to support him and his friends are his family. Without them he wouldn't have a family.
3. Why was Reynie doubting himself? Reynie was doubting himself because he doesn't want to betray his friends but he loves the Whisperer because it helps him through his problems.
4. Why was Reynie sending Mr. Benedict a message? Reynie was sending Mr.Benedict a message because he was unsure of hiself and didn't know what to do because the Whisperer was so powerful and was affecting Reynies brain.
5. What was the message that Mr. Benedict sent back? The message that Mr.Benedict sent back was "Remember the white horse."
6. What did the message mean? This message was reffering to the chess game. If you make a move and you realize it wasn't the right move you can't go back and start over.
7. How did Kate get into the elevator? Kate was able to get into the elevator by shooting a marble over jacksons head because he was blocking the elevator so then he got out of the way so then Kate was able to sneak into the elevator.
8. Why didn't she want to push any of the buttons in the elevator? Kate didn't want to push any of the buttons in the elevator because just like in a regular elevator your scared that an alarm will go off. Kate thought that if she pushed a button and an alarm were to go off people would find out that Kate was in it.
9. How does Mr. Curtain deal with the subject of fear? Mr.Curtain deals with fear by having the Whisperer make an illusion that there is no such thing as fear so it calms you and makes you relax.
10. What is Martina's job? Matina's job is a sweeper which is to make sure that all of the other Whisperers that people besides the Mysterious Benedict team know about to get to where they are supposed to be safely and on time.
11. How did Mr. Curtain make sure no one was in the culvert? Mr.Curtain was able to know if anyone was in the culvert by just pouring some hot tea in it so if anyone was in it he would know.
12. What did Kate see in the water that had deceived her? Kate thought she saw a shark swimming around in the water but it was only a rock that was in the shape of a shark.
Monday, March 26th Read Sacrifices, Narrow Escapes, and Something Like a Plan and Bad News and Sticky's Discovery